Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter twenty-five of "Running From Here." There is some Tommy/Kim and Alan/Ellie. Ranger action is coming in the next few chapters. Stay tuned for chapter twenty-six.
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Chapter 25: Going Slow/The Plains/Hoping
Scorpina, Squatt, Baboo, and ten Putties moved through the rainforest. They looked around at a slow pace. They listened to the distant sounds of cawing Pteranodons, bellowing Brachiosaurs, roaring Allosaurs, and screeching Velociraptors. They stopped when a spider monkey ran out in front of them. It approached a tree and climbed up it. It stopped just past the halfway point. They looked at it. Scorpina emitted an annoyed huff.
"Stupid animals. You never know when they will run out in front of you," Scorpina hissed, tossing her sword forward and catching it once it finished spinning in a circle.
"At least it wasn't a Velociraptor. That dinosaur is really fast," Squatt gibbered and gulped in a quiet manner. "It is also really dangerous."
"It has been said the Velociraptor started eating its prey while it was still alive," Baboo added. "That is no different from today's carnivores, especially when it comes to lions and tigers."
"Crocodiles would rather drown their prey than eat it alive," Scorpina murmured. "They find dead prey easier to eat."
"We better get going," Baboo pointed out truthfully.
Scorpina nodded in agreement. She resumed walking, as did the rest of her allies. She raised her sword to cut an overhanging vine. She ran her tongue all over the inside of her mouth. Squatt grunted in frustration, his hands curling into fists.
"We shouldn't be moving this slowly!" Squatt whined and shook his head rapidly. "It is allowing the Power Rangers and the Jurassic Park survivors to stay far ahead of us!"
"Shut up, Squatt," Scorpina snapped while glaring at him. She looked ahead, her nostrils flaring. "We have to go slow. We can't alert the Rangers and their friends to our presence."
"Scorpina is right," Baboo agreed and rubbed his hands together. "We should be lucky that Lord Zedd allowed us to accompany her."
Squatt nodded in agreement. "I know. They should be entering the plains area of the island soon as Lord Zedd said when he scanned it."
"There won't be a single place for them to hide if they are attacked by carnivores unless trees or bushes are present," Baboo pointed out with a chuckle. "We might not have to do anything at all if that happened, especially if the carnivores are very hungry."
"I see what you are saying. We shouldn't forget that Rexy and Mia will stand and fight if an attack happens," Squatt commented.
Baboo rolled his eyes. "We haven't forgotten that, you dolt."
"Hey, you are just as big as a dolt as I am!" Squatt yelled, a snort coming from him.
"Unh-unh," Baboo said, shaking his head fast.
"Uh-huh," Squatt shouted in irritation.
Scorpina hissed and grabbed her hair with her unarmed hand. "Shut up, you two! You are both huge dolts!"
Squatt and Baboo held up their hands. They mouthed 'You are such a bitch.' They, Scorpina, and the Putties picked up their pace a tiny bit. They ducked when a harpy eagle came out of nowhere. They rose to their full height and watched it land on a branch near the middle of a nearby tree. It opened its beak in which it emitted a loud screech.
"Talk about a huge eagle," Squatt said in amazement.
"The harpy eagle is well known for catching and eating monkeys. They have enormous strength in their legs," Baboo explained in much eagerness.
"Those talons are very sharp. It is no wonder raptor trainers wear thick gloves while they handle them. The talons would cut deep into the skin," Squatt mumbled with a painful wince.
Scorpina held up her armed arm. "I do not have to worry about a raptor hurting his arm."
"Don't be smug, Scorpina. Raptors can still cut your unarmed arm with their talons," Squatt warned sternly.
"I know, Squatt," Scorpina snapped in much annoyance while putting her arm at her side. "I am not stupid."
"I didn't say you were. I was just giving you a reminder," Squatt pointed out nervously.
"I don't need reminders," Scorpina responded, going over to him and smacking him in the back of his head. "Now, shut the hell up! Let's go!"
Squatt huffed. "Yes, master."
Baboo slapped him upside the head. "Be nice, Squatt! Scorpina is our leader at the moment! We must do what she says."
Squatt rolled his eyes before holding up his hands in surrender. Scorpina gave a satisfied nod and turned around. She started walking once more. She held up her sword to cut another overhanging vine. Squatt and Baboo followed her close behind, as did the Putties. The eagle spread its wings and took flight. It flew above the group. It disappeared into the canopy.
"I wish Scorpina wouldn't be so mean," Squatt whispered as he leaned toward his best friend.
"Me too," Baboo agreed. "I am surprised she was mean to you, but she wasn't that way with me."
"It was a little mean of you to slap me upside the head," Squatt commented and crossed his arms. "I thought we were best friends."
"We will always be best friends. I have to slap sense into you sometimes. You are the more dimwitted of this duo," Baboo pointed out honestly.
"I know, but just don't slap me so hard," Squatt suggested and snickered under his breath. "Finster said my skull has not fully hardened yet."
"At least your helmet protects you from my hardest hits," Baboo said while holding up a finger.
"Yep," Squatt said proudly and looked toward Scorpina, who cut another overhanging vine with her sword. "Scorpina is a formidable warrior. She should take care of any dinosaurs that attack us, especially the carnivores."
"Mm-hmm," Baboo said with a nod. "She and Goldar did well in knocking Rexy and Mia out cold during the most recent battle. They were unconscious for the rest of it!"
"I can't wait to see her do the same to them when we catch up to our enemies!" Squatt said excitedly and clapped repeatedly.
"Me too!" Baboo said with a delighted laugh. "It will fun seeing them go down up close!"
"Yep, yep, yep!" Squatt said and winked at him.
"Squatt, you watched too much of The Land Before Time when Rita was here," Baboo said and made a funny noise.
"What can I say?" Squatt asked and balled his hands into fists. "I love Ducky. She is my favorite character in that movie. She was always so upbeat unless someone was suffering."
"Like Petrie. She thought he died in the jaws of Sharptooth," Baboo said while drawing a circle in midair with his finger.
"It turns out he escaped when Sharptooth's jaws were forced open due to the rock falling on him," Squatt commented.
"Petrie flew up to the top of the cliff. He was wet and exhausted, but he was unharmed," Baboo added.
"She picked him up and carried him to Littlefoot, Cera, and Spike," Squatt said and cleared his throat. "She was so cheerful over his survival."
"Yeah," Baboo agreed. "Anyway, let's stop talking and not alert any animals to attack us."
Squatt nodded in agreement and put his hands behind his back. Scorpina slowed down her pace somewhat. The others followed suit rather quickly.
00000
The Power Rangers, the survivors, and the dinosaurs moved across the plains forty minutes later. Rexy and Mia were still being ridden by their riders. Squawking came out of nowhere. Lex looked up to see three Pteranodons flying overhead. They flapped their wings in almost perfect unison. She turned to Tim, who put his hand over his eyes.
"Amazing Pteranodons, aren't they?" Lex asked with a smile.
"They sure are," Tim agreed. "It's good to know we are not far from the tour road now."
"It stinks we have to go over several hills. That can make legs hurt," Lex grumbled and rolled her eyes.
"Like that one?" Tim asked, pointing at a hill that came into view.
"You just had to say that, huh?" Lex scolded and slapped him upside the head.
"Just be lucky none of us got covered with mud like last time," Tim pointed out truthfully.
Lex stuck her tongue out at her brother, who mimicked her with his. Clearing throats sounded loudly. They turned to John, Alan, and Ellie. They raised their eyebrows.
"Put those things away, kids," John scolded. He smiled when his grandchildren pulled their tongues back into their mouths. "That's better."
"That hill is very familiar," Alan said and placed his hands on Rexy's back. "The kids and I crossed that to get to the fence."
"Unfortunately, we can't cross that area now. It's electrified. That is unless a bad storm knocked out the power at some point," Lex said, crossing her arms.
Ellie stroked her chin. "That is quite possible. If the power was knocked out, then the computers would have turned off."
"That means we will have to turn a couple of them on," Billy commented and bit his lip.
"The door to the control room was locked down when we escaped. It is quite possible it unlocked after the power went out," Alan added.
Billy placed his hand on Mia's frill. "Who knows how many storms have hit this island since it was abandoned?"
Ian tapped his finger on his temple. "I don't think anyone wants to know."
The group began to go up the hill. Kim breathed deeply as Tommy took hold of her hand. He gave it a hard squeeze. She mimicked him with his. They looked at each other.
"I am so glad we are not far from the tour road now," Kim said rather happily.
"Don't forget we will come upon the fence," Tommy pointed out.
"We can use our Blade Blasters to blast a big hole in the fence if it is still electrified. You can help with Saba," Kim suggested.
"That's right," Tommy said, snapping his fingers. "You are very smart, Kim."
"That does not mean I am a genius like Billy is," Kim said while holding up a finger.
"Of course not," Tommy responded.
The group reached the top of the hill. Lex and Tim started panting, as did Tommy, Kim, Zack, and Trini. They grabbed their knees. Rexy and Mia swung their tails from side to side.
"It stinks you guys are a little out of breath," Jason said honestly.
"It shouldn't take us long to catch our breath, Jase," Tommy replied as he patted his chest.
"This is where Dr. Grant, Tim, and I observed a herd of Gallimimus running past us," Lex said, chuckling to herself.
Tim put his hand over his ear. "We saw Rexy—well, you know."
"Of course," Lex mumbled and blew a raspberry.
"The way the critters were running was like a flock of birds evading a predator," Alan commented.
Zack touched his neck. "You don't want to be in the path of that flock."
Trini huffed. "Seriously."
Lex, Tim, Tommy, Kim, Zack, and Trini managed to catch their breath. They and the others were about to resume moving when a Gallimimus walked into view. It was followed by three others. They stopped and started pecking at the ground.
"Well, well, well," Zack said with a laugh. "We get to see some Gallimimuses today."
"No kidding, Zack," Trini said and smacked him in the back.
"Ow! I'm telling!" Zack joked.
"Very funny," Trini responded and spoke gibberish.
The first Gallimimus grabbed a large number of ants with its tongue. It raised its head high, swallowing them. The second Gallimimus mimicked all of its actions. It emitted a soft squeak. The third and fourth Gallimimuses got mouthfuls of grass. They pulled them into their mouths completely. They swallowed them quickly.
"It is amazing to observe the individual Gallimimus in different areas of its diet," Zack said in much awe.
"Not too many dinosaur species ate both plants and animals," Alan responded and suppressed a yawn.
"Many modern animal species happen to be omnivores. They include bears and foxes," Ellie added.
The Gallimimuses glanced toward the group. They stared at it with much curiosity. They snorted before going back to feeding. Jason patted Rexy's neck, as did Billy with Mia's frill.
"Come on, guys. We better go," Jason said.
The dinosaurs and humans were about to get moving when the first Gallimimus raised its head and squawked in alarm. It and its companions broke into a full run. They raced up the hill, passing the entire group at a distance. It turned to see them heading downward and pass a standing of trees. Mia blinked three times before digging her hoof through the soil. She bobbed her head while snorting softly.
The Gallimimuses passed another stand of trees. An Allosaurus crashed through them, knocking them down. It snapped its jaws at the first Gallimimus, missing when it jumped out of the way. It went after the second Gallimimus, opening them and clamping them around its back. It shook its prey violently, making it go limp completely. It dropped its kill, blood dripping from its snout. A piece of meat dangled from its jaws.
"Jeez. Who would've thought we would witness an Allosaurus in action?" Kim said, her voice showing awe.
"That Gallimimus didn't stand a chance," Tommy commented.
"Nor did the one Rexy got," Tim added while putting his hand over his eyes.
"Come on," Lex whispered, her body shaking a little bit. "Let's go."
Rexy and Mia resumed walking. Tommy, Kim, Zack, Trini, Lex, and Tim followed them close behind.
00000
Zordon and Alpha observed the Rangers and the survivors moving across the plains on the Command Center's Viewing Globe. Rexy opened her mouth and wiggled her tongue. She got a gentle pat on the neck from Jason. Mia raised her head somewhat. She let out a loud bellow. Billy tightened his grip on her frill a tiny bit.
"Thank God the Visitor Center is close now," Kim said in relief.
"I know, Kim. The journey has been strenuous, but it has been satisfying," Tommy responded.
"Let's hope we never end up in this situation again," Zack said seriously.
"I don't think I would want to live on an island filled with dinosaurs," Trini said, shuddering fearfully. "Even the herbivores can be quite dangerous, especially if they feel threatened."
"Just be grateful that Billy gained Mia's trust," Lex pointed out.
"The same goes for Jason with Rexy," Tim added.
"When we get home, I am having a huge meal. I am so hungry," Ellie whispered and chuckled to herself.
"You are not the only one, Ellie," Alan said, taking her hand into his.
"You might as well attach a vacuum hose to my nose. I could suck up a bunch of food right now," Ian joked.
"Nice joke, Dr. Malcom," Jason said with a laugh.
"For sure," Billy agreed.
Alpha sighed contently and turned around. He went to the plasma tube and made eye contact with Zordon.
"It warms my heart the Rangers and the survivors have made the most of their journey," Alpha said happily.
"I feel the same way, Alpha," Zordon agreed. "I do not blame Lex for her disgust at watching predators kill their prey. She is a vegetarian after all."
"There is nothing wrong with being a vegetarian. Some people thrive on such a diet. Some don't," Alpha pointed out truthfully. "Lex is obviously thriving. She looks so healthy."
"Indeed, she does," Zordon said. "I do not blame the group for feeling very hungry. There isn't really anything edible to eat on Isla Nublar. In that part of the island, that is."
Alpha clasped his hands together. "There have been stories of sentient species surviving on isolated worlds after becoming stranded on them. They lived off the land, especially building shelter."
"It takes incredible will to survive without technology after being exposed to it for so long," Zordon murmured.
"It is not easy to survive off nature. You have to focus on staying alive every day. You have to keep your shelter in good shape. Storms can hit without warning," Alpha said.
Zordon blinked. "All of that is true. However, living with nature allows time for more activities such as exploring and playing. You don't have to worry about paying rent either."
Alpha faced the Viewing Globe once more. He and Zordon could see the group going up another hill. He unclasped his hands and put them at his sides.
"I hope everyone can reach the Visitor Center before Scorpina and her friends catch up to them," Alpha said in uncertainty.
"They were obviously moving slowly through the forest. They do not want to alert our friends to their presence," Zordon suggested softly.
"That is very clever of them," Alpha commented. "The number one rule of combat is never underestimating an opponent."
"That is true. Let's hope the group reaches their destination before they are ambushed," Zordon whispered.
"Of course, Zordon," Alpha agreed with a nod. They continued watching the group on the Viewing Globe.